Here - Pilgrim Holiness Church

PILGRIM NEWS & NOTES
Official Publication of the Midwest Pilgrim Holiness Church
February 1, 2015
FROM THE CONFERENCE PRESIDENT
Rev. James A. Southerland, Sr., originally served as the first General Secretary of the Midwest Pilgrim Holiness Church, and then in 1970 he was elected to the position of President,
serving in that capacity until 1986. He was re-elected to that position in 2003 and has ably
served in that capacity up to the present time. He may be contacted via email HERE
I recently awakened to a chill in the air. The temperature outside our log house was
double digits below zero. It was 3:30 AM. The new wood I had put on the fire was beginning to burn brightly. As I meditated on the blessings he had afforded us, and was warmed by a sense of His Presence, my
mind turned to a number of recent reverses. While blessed with a wonderful Christmas and time with 35
family members and friends around our table, we watched the humbling effect of the flu that gripped a number of them. I had watched with heartache as my dear wife suffered with this world-stopping sickness. Then
it was my turn.
I was affected by the spiritual battles of some of my pastor brethren. There was the relentless pressure from
state regulations and rules in business. We carried our brethren and their problems before the Lord. We considered the lack of money for missions. Then in the midst of these concerns, on an arctic cold morning, there
was no water. I had taken pains to winterize the water lines and pump room. The submersible pump in our
110' well was like new. After a week without water in the house, struggling with 5 gallon buckets of water
from the creek (like my grandparents had done in the hills of Kentucky), we ordered and replaced the pump.
How wonderful to have running water again.
That early morning hour a few days ago brought to my mind the real suffering of the Patriarchs and how
they survived and thrived. Jacob came to mind. He did three things to rise above his adversity. Consider:
JACOB HUNKERED DOWN! The Scriptural record shows us his emotional and stressful cry, “...all
these things are against me!” (Gen 42:36) His family was threatened. Starvation was staring them in the face.
A trip to Egypt, the land of plenty, was planned and carried out. Unexpected troubles ensued. His boys were
accused of being spies. His son, Joseph, was long gone. Now Simeon was held hostage by Egypt's demanding governor, who also demanded Jacob's youngest son, Benjamin, to accompany them on their return trip
for more food.
What a heartbreaking dilemma. So many things he didn't know. He said, “...ye shall bring down my gray
hairs with sorrow to the grave.” The famine was sore in the land. He determined that his youngest son
would not go with them. Depleted supplies and looming starvation brought the change of mind. “Go again,
buy us a little food.” One can only imagine the sleepless nights, the wrestling with the possibility of family
extinction.
1
(Continued from previous page)
God was working on his other sons and their terrible lies about Joseph. In the finality of considering his
plight, he did not rage at God or “throw in the towel.”
Jacob made a good decision and prayed, “And God Almighty give you mercy before the man.” But he made
another decision that is a principle for all our conflicts:
JACOB HONEYED UP! Here was the monarch in Egypt causing all this hardship. Lesser men would
have cursed his name and sworn in bitterness. Jacob, however, decided to bring some sweetness to the table.
As the sons prepared to leave, note his direction in dealing with the unknown Egyptian governor. “If it must
be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little
balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds. And take double money in your hand; and the
money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an
oversight: Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man: And God Almighty give you mercy before
the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”
Someone said that if someone rubs your fur the wrong way, you might turn around.
Take a little honey with you.
JACOB HUNG ON! I don't know how long it took for the little caravan to make the trip, but it certainly
had a rich outcome. It's like Jesus reminding us to “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and
all these thing will be added.” I'm sure Jacob prayed day and night for the safety of his sons and their success.
I'm sure he looked down that lonely road over which they had gone out of sight. I'm sure Satan brought accusations and anxiety and discomfort to the spirit and soul of the old Patriarch.
Jacob hung on for the long haul. Time had gone by, but what an entourage greeted his eyes. The heavy burdened asses, the rumbling wagons loaded with food, all greeted his wondering eyes. But it was the story of
Joseph being alive and their confession to lies and deception that topped the day. To his amazement, Jacob
heard of Joseph's greatness and forgiveness and glorifying God in all the negative things that had befallen
them. God provided him a wonderful retirement program, a positive place in the eyes of Pharaoh, who provided his family with the best land and situation in all of Egypt. How should you and I face threatening ominous trials and troubles? HUNKER DOWN - HONEY UP - HANG ON.
James A. Southerland, Sr.
In days gone by, Coy McGinnis told the story of a lady who came to him needing advice because she was going
through one of the worst trials of her life! Preachers are always supposed to have the answers, right? Well, this
time he couldn’t think of anything to say, so he said, “Sister, my best advice for you is to just tie a knot at the end
of the rope, and hang on for dear life until help comes!”
Not long after that, Coy went through his own very dark trial. He went to his wife for some encouragement. . .
She said, “Coy my best advice for you is - just tie a knot at the end of the rope, and hang on for dear life until
help comes!” - Editor
2
News from around the Conference
All news on this page has been submitted by various Pilgrim churches. We
reserve the right to edit the submissions as necessary. - Editor
Drawn by Jacynda Manns
Lima, OH - (By Pastor, Don Nichols)
Denny and Brenda Estes, Bill and Lynette Spencer and Don and Ruth Nichols traveled together the
first Friday evening of December to the Anderson Camp Grounds for the annual Conference Christmas
Supper. An accident had blocked the southbound lanes of I-69 above the Anderson exits, so the group
was about an hour late for the occasion. Still they enjoyed the fellowship and musical presentations
with fellow pastors and laymen of the Conference.
The next day, Lima Pilgrims gathered at the Shawnee Middle School for our annual Christmas fellowship. We have a lot of good cooks, both men and women, in our congregation, so we had a delicious
meal and a great time visiting, and some made use of the gym.
Twenty ladies attended the December Women of Worth Chapter meeting in the School Commons.
The ladies participated in a Christmas cookie exchange, and then most of them split into small groups
and went caroling to some ladies who are residents in health care facilities, along with one who still
lives at home but is legally blind. They gave each one a bag full of little Christmas gifts, similar to a
sunshine basket. They ended their night gathering at the local Pizza Hut for food and fellowship.
Due to a great amount of sickness among the school and church families, school had to be canceled a
couple of days, and the monthly mission’s service and school Christmas program had to be postponed.
The school program, under the direction of Mrs. Stephanie Burley, featured singing and a missions’
based drama.
The pastor enjoyed preaching the Advent themes, particularly using the characters of the Advent
narrative and drawing on the virtues manifested by each. On December 21st, our church celebrated
Christmas, giving treats to all attendees and distributing the cards to each family participating in the
intra-church card exchange. In the PM service, the Jr. Worship children presented a program directed
by Mrs. Brenda Hunter. (Continued on next page)
If you have church news that you would like to submit for publication in this section, please
send it to [email protected]
NOTE: All submissions are subject to being edited as necessary to fit space and formatting
needs. - Editor
3
News from around the Conference
All news on this page has been submitted by various Pilgrim churches. We
reserve the right to edit the submissions as necessary. - Editor
Drawn by Jacynda Manns
The New Year’s Eve service was a real blessing to those in attendance. The service included special
singing by Marea Pouzar, Renee’ Hunsaker and Stephanie Burley, The Race, Brenda Hunter singing He
Loved Me With A Cross, just before Communion was served, and a message by the pastor. After the service, fel-
lowship followed along with games in the School Commons. The group performed a quick cleanup
and assembled again in the sanctuary where they prayed in the New Year and held lit candles while the
trio sang Go Light Yo ur Wo rld . Bob Hunter expressed joy at celebrating his first Christmas as a Christian, his first time to receive Communion, and all the blessings he has enjoyed since giving his heart to
the Lord. We thank the Lord for all the blessings of 2014 and anticipate more to come in 2015.
Bicknell, IN - (By Wendy McCullough)
Greetings from Bicknell, Indiana! The month of December found us adding two new governing body
members, Terry Davis and Alex McCoullough, to the membership roll. We praise the Lord for His help
with adding new members.
Saturday, December 19th, we had our annual Christmas church pitch-in dinner at our fellowship
hall, which was attended by nearly 40 people. The following Sunday, December 20th, we distributed
our traditional bags of Christmas candy to those who were in attendance in the morning worship service.
(Continued on next page)
4
News from around the Conference
All news on this page has been submitted by various Pilgrim churches. We
reserve the right to edit the submissions as necessary. - Editor
Drawn by Jacynda Manns
After several years of not having a working church van/bus that was suitable to drive in town, the
board decided to purchase a 22-passenger church bus from another church in the area. It is in need of
some minor work, but worthwhile since it was within our price range. We are looking forward to
getting it on the road soon.
Last, but not least, we are incredibly excited about the re-launch of our local ladies’ ministry, Treasure Keepers, led by Wendy McCullough. The name was derived from 2 Corinthians 4:7, ‘But we have
this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.’ Treasure
Keepers has a threefold purpose- promoting biblical womanhood, encouraging Christian charity and
friendship among the women in our congregation, and equipping the ladies to minister in their homes,
our church, and our community. The first meeting was held at a local café as several ladies gathered for
breakfast in early January. We appreciate your prayers to see this much needed ministry grow.
Indianapolis, IN - (By Pastor, Lonny Dunn)
God has helped us to sell our previous church building and purchase a very nice structure that was a
bank. We have made the basement suitable for holding services until we can get the main floor converted from a bank to a church. There is a large vault that we need to sell in order to clear that area for
usable space. We held our first service at the new location on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015. We feel that this is a
good location with a real opportunity to be a lighthouse for Jesus.
The new location is:
6031 East Washington St.
It is much easier for new ones
to find than the other location.
It is within five minutes
of interstate 465 on the east
side of the city.
5
Pastor to Pastor
Ministering to those who minister to others . . .
Love Your Congregation!
Loved . . . Lonely . . . Depressed . . . Delighted . . . Hurting . . . Hopeful.
Pastor Wayne Kennedy
Describing those that cross the threshold of our church doors Sunday after Sunday
could be an endless list. But one thing they should all have in common when they
exit our sanctuary, is the knowledge that they are loved.
“Does my pastor really love me?” The unchurched in our communities ask this of the church. Congregations ask this of their pastor. I Jo hn 4:7, Beloved , let us lo ve o ne ano ther: fo r love is o f Go d ; and every o ne
that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
Our Congregations
As pastors we have a deep love for the church, but are we able to translate this into a love that is demonstrated in a tangible way? Do we love our congregation enough to be engaged in their lives? No one likes a
busybody, but we can love them enough to learn their stories. If we understand where someone is coming
from it can help us love the older saint that balks at the very mention of change as well as love the young
person that wants to change everything.
The love a pastor needs is an unconditional love. Any pastor going into the ministry should expect conflict
or criticism. Well-meaning people sometimes come across as harsh with their words or actions. Loving with
an unconditional love helps us understand why people say and do the things they do. We can be less critical
of those who make decisions we feel are not in their best interest if we have this type of love.
In my “vast experience” of 3 years as a pastor, I have quickly learned that a congregation that is loved is gracious and loves their pastor even when he is far from perfect and has many things to learn.
Tell your congregation you love them. Show them that you love them. Be there for them in the good times
and the bad times. Always preach the truth in love. Many times we have to say to our congregations, “This is
not easy to preach, but I preach it because I love you.”
Taking words from Ray Ortlund in The Gospel Coalition’s Themelios Journal: “Enjoy them, delight in
them, and honor them. When other pastors gripe about their churches, you set another tone. Lift your people
up. Be their champion and defender.”
Spurgeon said it this way, “A man who is to do much with men must love them and feel at home with
them. An individual who has no geniality about him had better be an undertaker and bury the dead, for he
will not succeed in influencing the living. . . . A man must have a great heart, if he would have a great congregation. When a man has a large, loving heart, men go to him as ships to a haven and feel at peace when
6
(Continued from previous page)
anchored under the lee of his friendship. Such a man is hearty in private as well as in public; his blood is not
cold and fishy but he is warm as your own fireside. No pride and selfishness chill you when you approach
him; he has his doors all open to receive you, and you are home with him at once. Such men I would persuade you to be, every one of you.”
Our Communities
A common complaint from the unchurched about the church is the lack of love that is shown even among
church members. “If a church can’t love each other they certainly won’t love me.”
We have the opportunity to love people that may have never set foot in a church before. They will not look
like, act like or dress like you but they need to know that your church loves them anyway. Everyone has
heard or experienced the horror stories of ignorant church people that have turned away the little girl for not
wearing a dress or the boy that came to church with a printed t-shirt. Of course these are the extremes, but
our actions and attitudes do speak louder than our words.
All of our churches are in communities with people that have needs. While we may not be able to operate a
food or clothing pantry or pay someone’s utility bills, we are all able to do something. It is not necessary to
match what the church down the road is doing, but if the only involvement we have in a community is passing out an invitation or giving a tract, we need a greater love for our communities.
Love your community to Christ. Love your congregation. Love because it is commanded. Love because you
are loved. - Pastor Wayne Kennedy
Rev. Wayne Kennedy is pastor of the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Peebles, Ohio. He is married to Tabby, and they have two
children. To connect with Pastor Wayne, please contact him via email at [email protected]
7
A Woman’s Perspective . . .
By Stephanie Burley
Essential Elements of an Enduring Relationship
Before the store shelves were cleared of Christmas lights and tinsel, candy and trinkets
bearing affectionate messages were popping up in adjacent aisles. One thing is clear:
Americans love Valentine’s Day! And are we to be blamed? Who doesn’t relish the tender feeling of admiration expressed through a card, flowers, candy, or dinner at a favorite restaurant? Loving gestures and words
evoke the best in us. And that is why the month of love is, for many, a favorite time of year.
Relationships are valuable. In fact, they are probably the most valuable earthly possession one can develop. However, with relationships comes maintenance. This is where the real work begins. And this is the
point at which far too many relationships fail. Although many relationships face demise at some point, the
most devastating loss is that of a marriage relationship. It has been said that nearly 50% of all marriages end
in divorce, and although there has recently been controversy regarding that statistic, we know that divorce is
far too common. If we desire a healthy marriage, there are three areas that should receive ongoing maintenance:
Communication – Listening and talking are basic components of effective communication. Research
shows that the average person listens with only 25% efficiency. It is important that we focus on the person
who is sharing with us, make a conscious effort to process what is said, and formulate responses that indicate
they have been heard. For some, listening is difficult. Others are uneasy about verbalizing their thoughts.
Maybe they are fearful of judgment for exposing their heart, or maybe they struggle finding words to express
what is on their mind. Practice makes progress, and although it seems simplistic, effective communication
starts with talking and listening, and doing both often and with intention.
Connection – Carving out specific moments in each day to touch base with a spouse is a vital part of a solid, vibrant relationship. A multitude of distractions can cause us to create excuses rather than connection
points, but our relationships will be no stronger than the effort we put forth to fortify them. Sometimes circumstances make it challenging to connect. Opposite work schedules, children, ministry opportunities, and a
multitude of extra-curricular activities can crowd us until our priorities become misplaced. It is imperative,
no matter the profession or itinerary, that spouses make a habit of consistently connecting throughout the
day.
Commitment – Not every relationship is meant to last forever, but the marriage relationship is unique.
The marriage vow binds two hearts as long as both are living. Michael Johnson, Sociology Professor at Penn
State University, describes three levels of commitment: Personal Commitment (I want to), Moral Commitment (I ought to), and Structural Commitment (I have to). He says that relationships benefit from having all
three of these facets represented simultaneously. If a spouse begins to disengage, commitment wavers and
the relationship is put at risk. Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” When Christ
is at the center of the marriage, His presence acts as a magnetic force pulling a husband and wife toward,
Himself, and ultimately toward one another.
The average amount of money a person will spend on Valentine’s Day related merchandise this year is approximately $130. If you’re looking for something a little more valuable, try: effective communication, frequent connection, and enduring commitment. That’s a gift money can’t buy.
8
The Dating Daze
By Rev. Tim Forsee - Pasto r, Frank lin, IN PHC
Once again the calendar has turned and we find ourselves facing the month of February. You know what that means don’t you? Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. The time of year when every heart turns to love letters, I Love You balloons and
Hershey Kisses. Romance and enchantment is in the air. Harps and violins waft their melody on the wings of
the wind. Romantics everywhere are completely oblivious to the world around them! They traverse the highway of life as if it were their own lovers’ lane. You are aware of Valentine’s Day aren’t you? If your palms
aren’t sweaty and your system is not overheating at this time of year, maybe you’re getting old! Maybe you
need to jump start the engine on your relationship! The love boat has gone and left you behind. Just be careful to ease back into things! You don’t want to scare your spouse too badly! Since this is Valentine’s month
and Cupid is busy about his curious work, we would like to offer some biblical advice to young people concerning matters of love. We trust all that are in a relationship or contemplating one will consider what we
have to offer.
Seek God’s guidance: Many young people never think to seek God’s guidance concerning relationships.
They may think to ask his blessing AFTER they have selected someone, but they don’t think to seek His leadership BEFORE the fact! We must remind ourselves that God cares about our relationships and wants us to
seek His will. His desire is for us to bring Him glory and He has a plan to that end. If we will take the time to
seek Him on the most important decision of our life, He will orchestrate the details and make our marriage
(and life) a beautiful thing! Remember it is His glory and not our happiness that matters most! (See Rev 4:11;
Eph 5:17; Gen 24:12-20)
Listen to godly, parental advice: Many young people not only neglect to seek God’s opinion on their relationships, but their father’s and mother’s as well. They jump into a romance without ever receiving parental
permission or input. Their attitude is “I don’t need anyone telling me what to do, I can make this decision all
by myself!” This is unfortunate because not only do parents have more discernment than their children, God
has given them authority over them! He even uses them to communicate His will. The best policy for a young
person is to seek both parents’ permission before pursuing a romantic interest. If either parent disapproves of
their intentions, they need to honor them by pulling the plug! Many love boats have ended up at the bottom
of the canal because Romeo and Juliet thought they knew better than mom and dad. (See Prov. 1:8-9; Prov.
30:17)
Pursue a likeminded believer: Obviously if a person is seeking God’s will about a relationship they will not
consider an unbeliever. They won’t pursue someone they are not willing to marry and they will never marry
a non-Christian. Yet, how often have young people pursued an unsaved person and still declared that “it is
God’s will“, or that “God doesn’t mind!” The truth is: God does mind. 2 Cor. 6:14-18 clearly reveals His will
on the subject. If someone is already married and their spouse doesn’t share their faith, they are not to seek a
divorce (1 Cor. 7:12-13), but incompatibility in matters of faith disqualifies a romance from starting. Yes, there
is the possibility that one might lead their love to God, but this is the exception to the rule. Most often it is the
Christian that loses out rather than the unbeliever getting in. (1 Cor. 15:33) This is aside from the conflict of
such a union!
Adopt a hands off policy: Upon being asked to define dating, one little boy replied, “it’s when big kids put
on perfume and cologne and go off in the dark to smell each other!” While humorous, this is exactly what
9
(Continued from previous page)
many dating relationships consist of: young people who are not emotionally (or spiritually ready) going off
alone for physical contact. Sadly, this practice saddles them with undue temptation, emotional turmoil, and
baggage to be carried into marriage. What person wants to be the third or fourth love on their spouse’s list?
How can you really get to know someone when your focus has solely been to get “a little sugar?” It is much
wiser to adopt a “no smelling in the dark” policy! In fact, we would recommend courtship rather than the
ever popular “dating”. Getting to know each other on a friendship level, taking your “dates” in a family
setting at an appropriate age, and refraining from physical contact can go a long way in educating you on the
kind of person you are considering. It can avert heartache and provide couples with a stronger foundation for
marriage.
Parents, it’s your responsibility to see that your children behave themselves with the opposite sex! Don’t
turn them off the leash at 13 and grin foolishly when little Don Juan starts going through girls like a kid with
a bag of suckers! That is shameful behavior and you are failing in your stewardship of that child. Be wise and
teach them to respect the opposite sex. Teach them to honor God by instilling a spirit of carefulness in their
hearts! Hold them accountable for their actions! Supervise their “dates!” The day will come when they (and
their spouse) will thank you for it! Happy Valentine’s Day to all! (I Cor. 10:31; Prov. 3:21-24; Eph. 6:4)
Note from Paul & Nancy Gray:
We would like to express our appreciation to our daughter, Joy, and her fiancé, Jared Hayes, for
planning and organizing the card shower, and the surprise family dinner for our 45th wedding
anniversary this past January 3rd. Thank you also, Bro. Dan Plemmons, for notifying the pastors of the conference via e-mail and the sweet response we received from so many! We feel so
grateful to the Lord for His guidance and the privilege of ministering in His will these 45 years!
Thanks to everyone who had a part in making our day so special!
The Wedding of Rev. Paul & Nancy Gray . . . 45 YEARS AGO!
L-R Front Row: James Southerland, Harold Wheeldon, Brenda Wheeldon, Scott Wheeldon, Naomi Gray, Renee ’ Southerland,
Bride & Groom, Steve Wheeldon, Mark Gray, Kenny Schmidt, Sylvan Gray, Betty Rake, Donna Wheeldon,
L-R Back Row: Harold Lower (Soloist) Marilyn Noll (Organist) Sylvan Callaway, Eugene Gray, & Elmer Waltrip (Ministers)
10
Highlighting the Laity
In this feature, we desire to bring special attention to individuals that, even though you might never see them on the platform of Pilgrim Camp, or their names on a marquee, they are equally valuable to the ongoing work of the local church.
Dave & Pattie Hartkopf live in Be rk le y, MI, and atte nd th e Ro ch e ste r Hills,
MI, Pilgrim Holiness Church.
It has been my privilege to serve as their pastor for the past 16 years. Pattie serves as
our Church Secretary, SS Song Leader and serves on the Board.
We wanted you, our readers, to get to know this wonderful couple. . . –Dan Plemmons
Pattie:
I am the 3rd of 4 children. I lived in Oak Park, MI, until I was in the 3rd grade, then moved to Royal Oak
where I lived until I got married. In my early years, we didn’t attend church as a family. My Grandpa and
Grandma were faithful members and deacons of the First Presbyterian Church. They would pick us kids up
and take us to church quite often. At first, I went because they would take us to get donuts after church, but
then I started wanting to go. Eventually I joined the youth choir and attended junior high fellowship that met
every Wednesday night. I would walk a couple miles there and back every Sunday morning so I could sing
in the junior choir.
Even at that age I remember having a desire to be in church. I remember during the time I was taking classes
to be confirmed, I asked the teacher, “How do we know there is a God?” She just asked me, “What do you
mean?” I asked again, “How do I really know that there is a God?” Her response was, “I don’t know, you
just know.” I realize now that it was at that point when I began to hunger more for the things of God.
After I graduated from high school I worked for a law firm as a legal secretary for 4 years.
Three months after I had my first child, David, I started working for Hitachi Automotive Products. I celebrated my 30th year there last April.
Dave:
Dave is also the 3rd of 4 children. He lived in the same house all of his life until we got married in May of
1982. He was raised in a pastor’s home. He attended church every Wednesday and Sunday, as well as
attending any revivals in the area. Dave was taught a great work ethic from both of his parents. He had his
first paper route when he was 10 years old, along with odd jobs such as snow shoveling, mowing lawns and
painting garages. He started working at Hollywood Supermarkets when he was 15 years old as a cleanup
boy, and stayed at Hollywood for 30 years before retiring. It was then that he started his own landscaping/
handyman business.
While Dave likes to tell everyone that we met at the hospital when we each had our tonsils out (he was 4, I
was 5 and we had the same doctor), we actually met in Marching Band in high school, and became friends.
We started hanging out more and more together. We would ride together on the school bus to band competitions. I would ride my bike with him while he did his paper route (on his unicycle). Then came the day I
met his Dad, who on our very first introduction invited me to church that Sunday night. I went with Dave to
church that Sunday night and several times after. I was still attending my church on Sunday mornings, but
would go with him on Sunday night. It was on December 2, 1978, that I no longer had to wonder “How do I
know there is a God?”
11
(Continued from previous page)
I learned that night that I can know there is a God because I let him into my heart and he saved me from my
sins and has lived there ever since. I know God, and have been a Christian for 36 yrs.
After many years of walking with Christ, Dave began to drift away from God, and eventually found himself
in deep sin. Many tears were shed, and many prayers were prayed for him. In February of 2008, Dave came
back to God, and found that He was still there with out-stretched arms, waiting for him to come back home!
Dave and Pattie have 2 children. Their first child (David) lives in Cincinnati with his wife, Jessica, and 2 girls,
Mallory and Emmalene. He is an assistant professor of trumpet, and also serves as the band director at God’s
Bible School and College. Their 2nd child (Jennifer Gray) lives in Flat Rock, Illinois, with her husband, Wes,
and twin toddlers, Caleb and Elianna. Jennifer is an elementary education teacher. She is currently a substitute teacher at Washington Elementary School.
From their pastor:
It has been my privilege to pastor Dave & Pattie Hartkopf for the past 16 years, and they are truly two of
God’s greatest servants. They both have such big hearts, and are very quick to help out in any area that they
are able. They are dedicated to God, and are fine examples of Christ-likeness!
Dave & Pattie Hartkopf
David & Jessica Hartkopf with daughters,
Mallory & Emmalene
Wesley & Jennifer Gray with children,
Caleb & Elianna (twins)
12
Matching Fund UPDATE!
Back in June of last year, an anonymous donor came to President James Southerland and presented a special
challenge. They would MATCH EVERY DOLLAR (up to $55,000.00) given toward our Anderson
Campground between then and December 31st!
Thanks to the giving of many individuals AND churches, we were able to raise $52,664.96! That means that
$105,329.92 have been given toward the campground project.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

PILGRIM YOUTH LOCK-IN will be April 17th from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM. (Snacks will be available
with the proceeds going toward Pilgrim Youth Camp.)

PHC MINISTERIAL CONVENTION will be May 5-7, 2015.

PILGRIM YOUTH CAMP will be June 15-19, 2015. (Evangelist will be Rev. Darrell Stetler)

PILGRIM FAMILY CAMP will be June 19-28, 2015. (Evangelists for the camp will be Dr. Randall
McElwain and Rev. Jeremy Fuller, with Derek & Allana McIntire serving as the singers)
MISSIONS ANNOUNCEMENT:

February 14-17: Dr. Craig Dahler will be going to Dominica for a seminar on Holiness, and at the
same time, he will be leading a team of workers who will be there for a week of labor.

February 27th - March 1st: Dr. Craig Dahler and Rev. Don Raines will be conducting a Spiritual
Growth Conference in Antigua, concluding with the dedication of the new church on March 1st!!
Please pray much for the work that is taking place over the next few weeks, and if you need additional
information, please contact Dr. Craig Dahler at 317-374-1141.
13
About Pilgrim News & Notes
Pilgrim News & Notes is the official publication of the Midwest Pilgrim
Holiness Church, and is published bi-monthly.
The main goal of Pilgrim New s & No tes is to be an encouragement to our readers as well
as a source of information to those who are interested in our Conference.
All submissions are welcome, however, we reserve the right to edit as necessary, to fit
design and space needs. Not all submissions will necessarily be published.
Please email all submissions to the editor via the contact info. below:
Dan Plemmons
[email protected]
Conference Info:
Conference President, Rev. James A. Southerland, Sr.
Conference Vice President, Rev. Don Nichols
Conference Secretary, Rev. Mark Arnett
Conference Treasurer, Rev. Bryan Line
Conference Mission’s Representative, Dr. Craig Dahler
Conference Youth Director, Rev. John Zeigler
“Trying to do the Lord's work in your very own strength is the most exhausting and
tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Spirit, the ministry of Jesus just
flows out of you.” - Corrie ten Boom
“Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at
once! It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time! Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow
of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” - Corrie ten Boom
14